In the heart of a well-established residential suburb, the owners of a beloved heritage-style home embarked on a significant new chapter: a thoughtfully designed two-level extension that would not only expand their living space but also accommodate long-term accessibility needs. One of the earliest and most strategic decisions made during this process was to integrate a Lift Shop E1 home lift into the new addition — a choice that balanced forward-thinking practicality with elegant, timeless style.
Unlike retrofitting a lift after a build is complete, this project took the ideal approach — planning for vertical transport from day one. Collaborating closely with their architect and builder, the owners worked with Lift Shop to select a lift that would serve both current needs and future requirements without compromising the home’s character or layout.
“We knew we wanted the new wing to feel seamless, both in design and movement,” said the homeowner. “Adding a lift meant we could future-proof the house and make daily life easier now and into the future.”
To accommodate the E1 home lift, the construction team installed a purpose-engineered steel shaft structure during the early stages of the build. This steel frame was designed not only to carry the lift’s load, but also to be fully integrated into the architectural skeleton of the extension — an approach that ensured both structural integrity and design continuity.
This early collaboration with Lift Shop allowed the project team to avoid the common pitfalls of retroactive installation — like spatial reconfigurations, costly modifications, or design compromises. Instead, the lift became an intentional part of the floorplan, contributing to the home’s overall flow and function.
The homeowners selected the Lift Shop E1 swing door model, a premium hydraulic home elevator known for its quiet operation, elegant design, and flexibility in tight residential spaces. With a cabin size of 1000mm wide by 1240mm deep, the E1 offered plenty of interior space without requiring a large footprint — ideal for a compact but functional vertical solution in a private residence.
Part of the E Series, the E1 model is particularly suited for multi-level residential living, offering a smooth and comfortable ride at a speed of 0.3 m/s. Its mechanical simplicity and robust hydraulic system make it a favourite among architects, builders, and homeowners alike.
To ensure that the lift reflected the timeless elegance of the original home, the cabin was fitted with F12PPS Similinox skinplate wall and ceiling panels — a durable yet refined finish that delivers a soft, brushed-metal look. This was complemented by polished stainless steel profiles and a flush-mounted car operating panel (COP) for a clean, modern appearance that doesn’t compete with the home’s existing architectural features.
The floor of the lift was tiled in the same material as the adjoining hallway, allowing the cabin to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. This kind of continuity is crucial in projects like this, where the goal is to make the lift feel like an integrated room — not an afterthought.
Access at each level was provided by anodised aluminium landing doors with satinato frosted glass panels. This finish offered a perfect balance between privacy and light diffusion, allowing soft daylight to filter through without compromising discretion. The frosted glass also echoes other design features in the home, such as window treatments and bathroom elements, further reinforcing the design language.
The inclusion of the E1 lift did more than simply improve vertical movement — it elevated the entire living experience. Whether moving groceries between levels, accommodating visiting relatives, or simply planning for aging in place, the lift has already become an invaluable part of the family’s day-to-day life.
In the long term, the lift will add significant value to the property, as more buyers prioritise residential lifts when searching for homes that are accessible and future-ready. With Australia’s population aging and multi-generational living on the rise, accessibility solutions like this are no longer niche; they’re essential.
Beyond its good looks and smooth ride, the E1 is equipped with a host of safety features, including:
These features come standard with the E1, ensuring every ride is both safe and pleasant. Learn more about how different lift systems operate in our guide to electric vs hydraulic drives.
This project perfectly illustrates the benefits of early-stage lift planning. By involving Lift Shop from the outset, the homeowners were able to ensure:
It also meant there were no surprises — all structural and technical considerations were resolved before walls went up or finishes were applied. For those planning a renovation, new build, or extension, Lift Shop offers tailored advice to make integrating a lift simple and streamlined.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the result,” the homeowners shared. “The lift has made the new extension feel even more like part of the home, and we know it’s a feature that will support us for many years to come.”
For the team at Lift Shop, it’s another example of how good design and thoughtful engineering can transform how people live — with ease, dignity, and style.
Curious about how a lift could work in your own home? Discover more examples like this one in our case study archive, where you’ll find a wide range of real-world projects featuring home lifts of all styles and configurations.
Ready to speak to an expert? Contact us to arrange a consultation or request a quote — and let’s start designing your vertical solution today.
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